“The best thing about being self employed is being my own boss, taking on measurable risks, challenges and seeing happy customers.� Bali Sangha Jenkins of Baliarbali
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Leicester Business Women Newsletter Leicester Business Women would like to welcome you to our December newsletter. This is Leicester Business Women’s final newsletter of 2012! Our 12th edition is to inform you of forthcoming projects for 2013 from Skills for Enterprise and to wish you and your families a very
“Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year” Looking ahead to 2013 we hope the year brings each and everyone of you hope, success and happiness! For those that have a business idea and are hoping to become self - employed, we hope that next year is your year! The year you feel confident, have the motivation and the knowledge you need to chase your dreams and become your own boss! Imagine what a year it could be... And for those who have already registered your business, we hope you keep hold of the motivation to continue with your success! Ensure you build a network to support you, keep aiming for new challenges and continue to enjoy the rewards of having your own business. Leicester Business Women looks forward to hearing many more inspirational stories in 2013. Our festive newsletter is full of support and advice to help you and your business even further. With information on the HMRC workshops and their new easy steps to register your business. Details of confirmed training dates for the new Start Up Now Project and information on both the Start Up Loans and Small Business Workout programmes. Plus a chance to hear from the Leicester Business Women team, see what’s in store for 2013 with tarotscopes as well as advertisements from our members and other organisations. For further information about the Leicester Business Women programme or any of the other projects ran by Skills for Enterprise please contact Nicole Hocking on 0116 251 8730.
Leicester Business Women’s December Newsletter Includes Leicester Business Women’s Thoughts Start Up Now Project Start - Up Loans Small Business Workout Tarotscopes Easy Steps To Start Your Business With The HMRC HMRC Workshops ****
We hope you enjoy “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Whether we want them or not, the New Year will bring new challenges, whether we seize them or not, the New Year will bring new opportunities” Michael Josephson
More ways of connecting with Leicester Business Women As well as our monthly newsletter, there are many other ways of keeping up with our information, success, our stories, forthcoming events and advice6. Check out our webportal - www.leicesterbusinesswomen.co.uk Join our facebook group - www.facebook.com/#!/groups/386715381358641/ Like our facebook page - www.facebook.com/#!/leicesterbusinesswomen Follow us on Twitter - LBW_network
We look forward to seeing you there…..
Leicester Business Women’s Thoughts “2012 has been an amazing year for the Leicester Business Women project, we have seen and met so many fantastic, inspiration, brave and powerful women. I continually enjoy being apart of this amazing programme of workshops, coaching and events. Everyday I see a change in all our members, I see their motivation and confidence grow but more importantly their self belief. We first meet new members when they come to see us for an application appointment. Each lady has their very own business idea, dream or hobby, but also they have their own barriers and fears but while we support them on their journey to self employment we get to see them face these fears and breakdown those barriers, it’s very inspirational and as every year it’s been a privilege. In 2013, I’m looking forward to the challenges to be faced with the new projects that Skills for Enterprise will be offering. I’m excited about meeting new people, providing help and support and sharing many more success stories as I have with the Leicester Business Women project so far. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and I wish 2013 to be full of hope, success and joy!!! I hope you and your families have a enjoyable festive break and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you in the New Year!” Warm wishes, Nicole Hocking “So as we approach the end of 2012 our thoughts turn to 2013 and the direction our businesses will take. For Skills for Enterprise we will have two new projects to get our teeth into as well as continuing our great start with the Start up Now programme in Oadby and Wigston. We will also be launching our new Networking Group called Smalltalk with the launch event being held in January 2013 and we are looking forward to putting on some excellent business events with a social theme throughout the year. We cannot rest on our laurels and will continue to look at what other support opportunities we can provide for our clients and the business community of Leicestershire. These are challenging times for many businesses and our services are in high demand, so we must continue to strive to provide the best possible support we can and help our clients develop their businesses further for 2013. May I wish you all and your families a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.” Best wishes, David Ryan
“I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope 2013 is full of success and growth” Best wishes, Baljit Nagra
“So with the new year fast approaching - think about the following6 What do you want more of in 2013 and who / what are you going to let go of and leave behind in 2012. Stop comparing your insides to someone else's outsides - stop comparing yourself to others and give yourself permission to wake-up and ROAR in 2013!!! On behalf of all the staff and directors at Vision we would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!” Warm wishes, Sharon Roberts
Leicester Business Women’s Thoughts continued...
“With less than a week until Christmas, our thoughts inevitably turn to the joys of taking a well-earned rest from work and to giving more time to loved ones. Whatever the joys, triumphs and disappointments of 2012, it’s always good to reflect on what has gone before. As I write, the Sports Personality of the Year is on TV and I am reminded of the inspiration provided by so many athletes and sports people this year. Many months of preparation and hard, hard work culminated in performances that were often outstanding, sometimes exceeding by far the expectations of many. The rewards for the victorious included a medal and the moment of glory on the podium. For those who watched, the performance of athletes with a wide range of disabilities provided proof that humankind has the remarkable capacity to achieve great things, despite almost impossible odds. My own achievements seem to pale into insignificance compared with these “superstars”. But we cannot fail to be both motivated and inspired by what we have seen. We know that Olympic medals are probably well out of our reach, but we can feel that desire to achieve something really special through our own endeavours. As we look forward to Christmas, the New Year 2013 beckons us and we need to start setting our own targets and goals for the year. It’s the chance to plan for our own future success stories of 2013, and we know so well that we cannot leave it to chance. So what’s on my list for next year? Have I started the “to do list” yet? Well, I’d like 2013 to be a year of new challenges in new places with new faces. It’s lovely to work with people we like whom we have got to know well, but we also need to seek out new clients and further opportunities. Learning something new is always high on my list of priorities; I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and I value gaining new knowledge, further skills and fresh insights. It has a positive impact on your brain and on your approach to life. Who wants to become a “stick in the mud”! Finally, I want to develop and maintain an “attitude of gratitude”. “Glass half empty” or “glass half full” is a well-known question. It is all a matter of perception, and there is only a small adjustment to make in the thought processes to move from that of positivity to that of negativity. What we need to learn to do better is to focus our thoughts on the good rather than the bad. From any difficult situation, eventually we can find positives or gains. You might fail miserably in what you are trying to achieve, but there are always valuable lessons in failure. Some people may make us angry or upset; look for the good in them and forgive. No-one can live happily or healthily with anger or hatred. Above all else I believe it’s vital to forgive and to love yourself – unless you can do that you can never love or forgive others. May I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and all that you would wish for yourself in 2013. Rejoice in your achievements from 2012 and make your own big plans for the year to come.” Best wishes, Jim Hewitt “For all of you lovely ladies who I have had the privilege to meet and work with, have a wonderful Christmas and a fabulous New Year ahead, with warmest wishes for a peaceful and healthy time.” My best, Lou Gimson
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Edith Lovejoy Pierce
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.” Henry Ford
Start Up Now Project The new and exciting Start Up Now programme is aimed at helping unemployed individuals start their own businesses. The project is currently available for those living in either Oadby or Wigston. The Start Up Now project offers FREE support, guidance and advice to those who wish to become self employed, have a business idea or would like to earn income from a hobby. Our support consists of 5 training workshops, one to one appointments with a specialist advisor and group events, all aimed at giving information and advice on self employment and business start up. Our previous programme of workshops in September proved to be a big success, the ladies completed the series of workshops and walked away with actions points, further knowledge, motivation, confidence but more importantly belief in their ideas and dreams. Our next series of training workshops have been confirmed for April 2013: Date
Time
Workshop
Venue
Thursday 11th April 2013
10.00am - 3.00pm
Deciding To Start & The Business Plan
Alpha House, Wigston
Wednesday 17th April 2013
10.00am - 3.00pm
Motivation & Attitude
Alpha House, Wigston
Thursday 25th April 2013
10.00am - 3.00pm
Financial Planning
Alpha House, Wigston
Wednesday 1st May 2013
10.00am - 3.00pm
Finding New Customers
Alpha House, Wigston
Thursday 9th May 2013
10.00am - 3.00pm
Promotion & Publicity
Alpha House, Wigston
Deciding to Start & Business Plan: Explores confidence and motivation. From our experience and knowledge of business owners FEAR and FOCUS seems to be the root of many problems • Developing new market opportunities, working and learning from the competition. Understanding how contracts are won and lost •
Motivation & Attitude: • Understanding your personal behaviour and the fear of conscious and unconscious habits we have developed over time. Successful people genuinely inspire and lead others to stay focused and create success with less stress Financial Planning: • Money affects every area of our lives, but managing if efficiently is not always easy • Develop simple financial solutions you can understand and use Finding New Customers • In order to find new customers you need to know how they think and behave • Understand that behaviour patterns and purchasing decisions constantly change; customer lifestyles and desires always drive product definition Promotion & Publicity • The difference between success and failure in business is more often not determined by the effectiveness of the business marketing and promotion strategy Skills for Enterprise will begin a similar programme for those living in Leicester City from April 2013. For further information or to check your eligibility please contact the Start Up Now team on 0116 242 9482 or email info@skillsforenterprise.co.uk
Are You Aged 18 - 24? Interested In Business And Have A Business Idea? Looking To Become Self Employed Or Start Up Your Own Business?
Then Attend Our FREE 1 Day Introduction To Business Workshop Leicester City Centre 17th January 2013 10.00am - 3.30pm There are limited places available so act today and don’t miss out! For further details or to book your place contact David Ryan at Skills for Enterprise 0116 251 8730
Small Business Workout The Small Business Workout programme aims to help existing business owners overcome the barriers encountered at key points in the early stages of the business cycle. The programme provides a customised and comprehensive programme of business support, including opportunities for business owners to develop new skills and have access to one to one mentoring and business networking. The programme offers 5 support strands, these include: •
A company Skills Needs Analysis - pre and post programme participation analysis of how well the business is performing. The diagnostic will assess the views of the business owner and its customers and make recommendations for future strategy and development.
•
A business planning clinic - a half day one to one session to ensure that participants are confident in the business planning process and are able to set SMART objectives for their business. This element will be especially crucial for businesses at key stages of development (i.e. growth, taking on new staff, building supply chains etc)
•
One to One Business Mentoring - a dedicated business coach offering 6 half day mentoring support sessions to the Business Owner.
•
Funding Application Support - Support with access to a range of funding opportunities for businesses looking to access funds from a range of providers.
•
Business Networking Opportunities - regular opportunities will be provided for participants to come together to network and develop business to business relationships and to establish local supply chain linkages.
SfE has been successful in securing funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to support businesses accessing the programme and are based within Leicester City. For further information about the SBW Programme, please call David Ryan on 0116 2518730 or e-mail david.ryan@skillsforenterprise.co.uk.
Tarotscopes So6What’s in store for 2013? Assuming well all survive the end of the world on 20/12/126 Pure & Blessed Tarot takes a look at The Alchemical Tarot, for some magical tips to turn lead to GOLD in the world of business6 Only applicable, if the Mayans got it wrong6
Aries Mar 21 - Apr 19 6 of Staffs and 4 of Staffs A hot year ahead!!! Two fire cards for a fire sign6 this should be a scorcher! Make commitments with those who ignite your passion and sure enough, you’ll find the secret formula for success. But this is not by chance, it can only come about, if you know and understand your craft.
Taurus Apr 20 - May 20 7 of Coins and Lady of Swords A down to earth nature may mean you are focused and can build stable foundations6 but, if you want to transform and move things up a stage, a false sense of modesty will do you no favours. Blow your own trumpet loud and clear, no-one can sell your services as passionately as you can.
Gemini May 21 - June 21 The Star and The Fool Brace yourself Gemini6 you are in for a ride6 All your hopes and dreams are there to be had. If you are worried that you do not know enough to launch any new ideas, then there is only one solution. If you are waiting for perfect6 it’ll be a long wait6 Take a leap of faith, jump right in there and learn as you go.
Cancer June 22 - July 22 The High Priestess and Judgement What’s that Secret Plan you are working on? You know6 the one that is too soon to speak about, but you feel it in your water? It is time for the big reveal. How will you ever know just exactly what you are capable of if you don’t try? Don’t worry what people think6 answer your calling6 and find your truth, your way.
Leo July 23 - Aug 22 9 of Staffs and 9 of Coins A pair of 9s my friend – what projects have come to fruition? There are positive signs that all the sacrifices that have been made to get projects off the ground and moving, have been worth the effort. Prosperity arrives from past labours and from sticking with your passions.
Virgo Aug 23 - Sept 22 9 of Swords and 6 of Swords Thinking, thinking, thinking6. Get a grip analytical Virgo! Don’t you know fortune favours the bold? Don’t think it! Feel it! Sense it! A wise friend of mine told me that FEAR is Feeling Energized And Ready. So6 if you FEEL that something good is heading your way6 face it and embrace it!
Libra Sept 23 - Oct 23 Temperance and Knight of Swords Well Libra, I’m sure you are the last person that I need to lecture on the importance of keeping things in balance. That’s all well and good, but sometimes, you have to pull out the big guns. Sometimes it is the size of the challenges that are overcome and the strength used to overturn a situation that brings recognition, rather than the ability to stay calm and endure6 Continued...
Tarotscopes continued#
Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 21 The Hermit and The Hanged Man Meditation is called for Scorpio. Find some solitude and turn your attention inwards to find your guidance. Other’s views are not your views6 It is time to maybe shift your opinions on a few things. Find new perspective and take an unusual approach. Greet challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.
Sagittarius Nov 22 - Dec 21 Ace of Vessels and 3 of Staffs New adventures ahead Dear Sadgie! Connect to your true purpose and feed your goals with your heart and soul. Identify with your vision and be gently guided to where ever it leads you6 Exciting times are in store with travels far and wide. Don’t forget your passport!
Capricorn Dec 22 - Jan 19 King of Coins and 7 of Staffs Stand your ground Capricorn, imagine yourself as King of your business jungle and keep a firm paw on your money. When it comes to competition, keep your cool and remain regal. Little dogs often try to bite big dogs6 But don’t worry6 they’ll burn themselves out soon6
Aquarius Jan 20 - Feb 18 10 of Coins and 3 of Coins Aquarius, you appear to have money on the mind. Fair enough6 it is an important concern after all. However if it is your only concern6 well that is not so good. Avoid becoming so bogged down in the material side of life or you may risk losing the ability to spot new opportunities. Sometimes a more creative mind is required. Allow your intuition to shape your plans.
Pisces Feb 19 - Mar 20 The Chariot and The Knight of Vessels Interesting indeed Pisces6 it would appear a change of direction is on the cards. Discovering new leads and partners will shift ideas at speed. You’ve been paddling in the shallow end long enough; it’s time to raise your game. Harness your strengths, take hold of your wishes and move yourself to a bigger pool. Karen Sealey Text or Call on 07948 272330 Pure & Blessed Tarot Discover a new perspective@
Easy Steps To Start Your Business With The HMRC Being on the right side of the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) can only work in your favour and will mean that you do not get any unwanted surprises when starting up your business, that's why the HMRC have launched their new e learning package. An easy way to work through starting your own business with simple step by step guidelines and modules. The HMRC have launched their new e learning package to help you start up your own business. This is an excellent tool with their step by step processes and modules covering all the elements of starting up your new business venture, there are a number of aspects that you can also focus on if you don't want to go through the whole module such as the legal requirements, registering your business and of course tax and VAT. In addition, there are also experiences of others who have started their business and details on how they did it, a great way to pick up useful hints and tips for yourself. To access the e learning tool, please click on the following link http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/courses/syob/syob/HTML/syob_menu.html Please note the learning cannot yet be accessed from iPods or ipads.
HMRC Workshops The Business Education and Support Team are a dedicated team trained to provide help and advice to employers and the self-employed. HMRC has arranged a series of free workshops, delivered in key geographical locations designed especially to help you. HMRC’s forthcoming workshops: Newly self-employed - 8 January, 6 February and 7 March 2013. • how to register your business with HMRC • understanding what is meant by employment status • different classes of National Insurance contributions • basic record keeping • the tax return cycle, payments to HMRC and penalties • where to go for further help and advice Self employment expenses and Capital allowances - 6 December 2012, 22 January and 27 February 2013 • what allowable business expenses are and how to work out your tax allowances • how to recognise the most common types of allowable business expenses • how to identify allowable and non-allowable business expenses • the different ways to work out your motoring expenses • how to correctly work out Capital Allowances for cars, other vehicles and equipment using examples • where to find any further information and help you may need • Self Assessment Online They are all held at Saxon House, 1 Causeway Lane, Leicester, LE1 4AA and are FREE If you would like to book a place please visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/bst/ to book online or telephone 0845 603 2691
If you’re unsure how or when to register your business and would like further support, please give Leicester Business Women a call on 0116 251 8730 to make and a one to one appointment with our experienced advisors.
Meeting Rooms for Hire Professional & Convenient Business Facilities Looking for a city centre venue to hold your business meetings or simply want to impress your clients with clean and professional surroundings? Then look no further, our meeting rooms are available to hire by the hour, half day or full day. Skills for Enterprise offices are easily reachable by all major routes and are only 5 minutes away from the train station. Our rooms are light, spacious and comfortable with a receptionist to meet and great in a professional and friendly manor.
Room
Seats
Meeting Room
Includes
Per day
Per 1/2 day
Per hour
Up to 4 people
Internet access £60.00 + VAT
£35.00 + VAT
£10.00 + VAT
Up to 8 people
Internet access £90.00 + VAT
£50.00 + VAT
£20.00 + VAT
Ideal for smaller meetings and intimate business appointments
Boardroom Ideal for meetings, interviews and business appointments Ideal for workshops, lectures and presentations
Up to 30 people Internet access £200.00 + VAT £120.00 + VAT £30.00 + VAT Data projector Laptop Flipchart
IT Suite
Up to 12 people
Training Room
Ideal for trainings and computer based workshops
Computers £200.00 + VAT £120.00 + VAT £30.00 + VAT Internet access
All prices include: Tea, Coffee and Biscuits. Lunch can be provided as an optional extra. To ensure availability, please book in advance. Please note: No Parking is available with room hire. Terms and Conditions apply.
For more information and bookings, please contact us on 0116 251 8730 or e-mail info@skillsforenterprise.co.uk. www.skillsforenterprise.co.uk
Want to see you business here? This exciting newsletter will give you the opportunity to advertise and promote directly to our database, all are female and based in Leicester / Leicestershire. In addition, we have a large partner database who will also receive the newsletter. Our next edition will be in January 2013, does your business have any special offers / deal or information to share? Are you holding or attending any events that you think business ladies in Leicester / Leicestershire may benefit from? If so, let us know!! How would you rate Leicester Business Women’s newsletter? Is there anything you would you like to see featured in our next newsletter? What would you like more / less of? Leicester Business Women would like to make our newsletters as informative and exciting to all our members and ladies in Leicester so we would love your feedback. Contact Leicester Business Women today on 0116 251 8730 If you missed our September, October and November newsletters check them out! http://issuu.com/leicesterbusinesswomen/docs/ leicester_business_women_newsletter_september_edit http://issuu.com/leicesterbusinesswomen/docs/ leicester_business_women_newsletter_october_editio http://issuu.com/leicesterbusinesswomen/docs/ leicester_business_women_newsletter_november_editi Full of relevant business information such as marketing, finance, hints and tips on motivation and confidence as well as information on our, virtual office service, Skills for Enterprise's new project, forthcoming training workshops, networking events, adverts from our members and plenty more!!!